NEW DELHI, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Indian capital of New Delhi has been turned into a fortress ahead of the Republic Day Parade, slated to take place here on Tuesday.
Strict security arrangements have been put in place in most parts, particularly in central Delhi. The Republic Day Parade will march pass through the "Rajpath", a 3-kilometer road connecting the "Raisina Hill", considered as the official seat of the Indian government, with the national monument "India Gate".
Key dignitaries, including Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior cabinet ministers, defence officials, ambassadors, foreign nationals and Indian citizens will be seated on either side of the "Rajpath" as the parade passes by, commemorating the 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday.
The parade will consist of tableaux from different Indian states depicting their vivid art and culture, military contingents, and other tableaux showcasing India's science and technology, military prowess, space technology, etc.
Roads around the "Rajpath" have already been sealed for common travellers, and normal traffic diverted to other alternative routes.
According to local cops, the Delhi Police have stepped up security and intensified patrolling and verification drives across the national capital to thwart any untoward incidents.
The national capital has been brought under an unprecedented ground-to-air security cover with thousands of armed personnel keeping a tight vigil ahead of the Republic day celebrations, the New Delhi Television quoted Delhi Police cops as saying.
Similar strict security arrangements have been tightened at the inter-state borders and all commuters headed towards the national capital are frisked thoroughly, with their vehicles too being checked with metal detectors.
More attention is paid to ensure fool-proof security in view of the proposed tractor-rally on Tuesday coinciding with Republic Day celebrations, by farmers who have been agitating against the government's three farm laws.
Cops can be seen patrolling in busy market areas. On the basis of intelligence inputs, and to ward off any untoward incident, physical frisking of commuters at metro stations, railway stations, airport and bus terminals has also been tightened. Enditem